1st June 2021: A Week in Parliament

Killie FC

I was “lucky” to attend the play off match at Rugby Park between Killie and Dundee. The first game with some fans since March 2020. Relegation was a bitter pill to swallow, especially as the team performance on the night was so limp. However, 28 consecutive years in the top flight was a big achievement with only Celtic, Motherwell and Aberdeen also managing this. Except Aberdeen and Motherwell would both have been relegated had Falkirk had a ground which complied with the rules. Well done to Billy Bowie and the club for promising to maintain player budget in the Championship. I really hope we get back up at first attempt as it benefits the town in prestige and more importantly business wise due to larger crowds. 

Ayrshire Business Women

I was pleased to do a question and answer session with the members’ organisation Ayrshire Business Women. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and while I would rather do it in person rather than Zoom, it feels good to be engaging with local organisations again. There is no doubt that there has been a drop off due to covid, but as restrictions ease, please remember I will always try to make myself available for invites to events, businesses or voluntary group venues. Just get in touch at alan.brown.mp@parliament.uk

Tory Sleaze and Incompetence

Matt Hancock the UK Government has a 20% stake in a company otherwise owned by his sister and brother-in-law. The company won a multi million pound contract from NHS England and Matt Hancock didn’t at the time declare an interest. Yet, he has only been found to have breached the Ministerial Code in “a minor way” and somehow it is his sister’s fault for not telling him the company won the contract. How can such a defence be deemed credible? 

Meanwhile Boris Johnson didn’t break the Ministerial Code but only acted “unwisely” in ordering a refurbishment of his flat without knowing how it would be paid. And he didn’t know who initially paid the bills. So, nothing to see here either. Basically, we are to re-assured that the so-called leader of the UK is stupid and didn’t know what was going on. Phew, that’s a relief! 

Dominic Cummings

I am wary of believing everything Dominic Cummings said in evidence at the Select Committee enquiry. He is motivated by revenge. However, it is clear that we had an incompetent UK Government, who were going for the herd immunity protection; a prime minister who didn’t take things seriously and who refused to protect the borders. All of which cost unnecessary deaths and left Scotland equally exposed, particularly on the borders issue. 

Pumped Hydro Storage

As Energy Spokesperson I sent a letter to the Minister asking about support for pumped storage hydro. After two months of no response, I submitted a written question asking when I would get a response to my letter, knowing the written question is on public record. I got one within three days of my written question. A poor way to do business but I never give up!